Matthew 6:31- “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’”
An Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus directly addresses the common worries about daily needs—food, drink, and clothing. These basic necessities are often a source of anxiety, but Jesus encourages His followers to let go of these worries. Instead of being consumed by fear about provision, He calls them to trust God, who is fully aware of their needs and able to provide. This verse is part of a larger teaching about living in faith rather than fear, emphasizing that worry accomplishes nothing and reflects a lack of trust in God’s care.
Historical Context
In Jesus’ time, most people lived in agrarian or subsistence economies. Food and clothing were not as easily accessible as they are for many people today, and concerns about provision were very real. Jesus spoke into a context where daily survival was often uncertain. His teaching challenged the prevailing mindset by pointing to God’s faithfulness to provide, even in difficult circumstances. His words would have been both reassuring and countercultural to His audience.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights God’s role as the ultimate provider. It reminds believers that worrying about provision demonstrates a lack of faith in God’s ability to meet their needs. Theologically, it reinforces the truth that God is sovereign and attentive, caring for both the big and small details of our lives. This verse also calls Christians to shift their focus from earthly concerns to seeking God’s kingdom, trusting that He will take care of everything else.
Literary Analysis
Matthew 6:31 uses repetition and parallelism to emphasize the point. The phrase “What shall we eat? What shall we drink? What shall we wear?” reflects the natural human concerns about survival and security. By instructing His followers not to worry about these things, Jesus continues the broader theme of trust and dependence on God that runs throughout the Sermon on the Mount. This verse transitions into a call to prioritize God’s kingdom in the following verses, reinforcing the idea that trust in God brings peace.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
- Psalm 37:25: “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.”
- Luke 12:29-30: A parallel passage where Jesus reiterates not to set your heart on what you will eat or drink.
- Matthew 6:8: “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Matthew 6:31 serves as a reminder to trust God with their daily needs. In a world where materialism and self-reliance are often emphasized, this verse calls believers to live differently—acknowledging that God is their ultimate provider. It challenges Christians to let go of worry and focus on seeking God’s will, trusting that He will handle the rest. This verse also encourages gratitude, as it reminds us that everything we have comes from God’s hand.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love by showing His care for our most basic needs. It reassures us that we are not alone in our struggles and that God is aware of and attentive to our concerns. By inviting us to trust Him rather than worry, God offers peace and rest, demonstrating His desire for us to live free from fear and anxiety. His love is evident in His promise to provide for us as a loving Father provides for His children.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus embodies this teaching through His own life. He trusted the Father completely, even when He faced hardship and lacked earthly possessions (Matthew 8:20). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provided for our ultimate need—reconciliation with God. His teaching reminds us that if God has already taken care of our greatest need, we can trust Him to provide for the smaller, daily needs of life.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What daily concerns do you find yourself worrying about, and how can you surrender them to God?
- How does this verse challenge your perspective on trust and provision?
- What practical steps can you take to focus more on seeking God’s kingdom and less on worrying about material needs?
- How does Jesus’ example of trust in the Father inspire you in your own life?
- How can you practice gratitude for God’s provision in both big and small ways?
Matthew 6:31 encourages us to let go of worry and trust in God’s faithful provision. By focusing on His kingdom and relying on His care, we can experience peace and freedom from anxiety, knowing that our loving Father will meet all our needs.